Radio Systems Engineer

It’s a great time to join the City of Boulder!

Application Deadline:

September 3, 2026

Compensation Details:

Full Pay Range83,616.00 - 121,118.40Generally, the hiring range is from the minimum up to 80% of the range.This is a full-time salaried position.

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Benefit Eligibility Group:

Non Union (30+ Hours)

Locate the Benefit Eligibility Group value on the Employee Benefit Eligibility document to identify the benefits offered for this job.

Job Description Summary:

Under limited direction, serves as a technical expert for Radio Services P25 land mobile radio network known as CBIRS and associated systems and equipment, including digital microwave, fiber optic, ethernet and MPLS and lessor networks and supporting computer systems and applications. Represents Radio Services in communication with customers, vendors, and peer agencies and ensures 24x7x365 availability of system, acceptable coverage/audio performance, and rapid repair of identified issues, ensuring achievement of established services levels.

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES                 

• Provides technical administration and lifecycle management of the City's Land Mobile Radio (LMR) system (Motorola Astro APCO25 Phase 1 simulcast), evaluating system performance, interpreting diagnostic data, and developing strategies to optimize reliability, interoperability, resiliency, and compliance with established performance standards.

• Ensures the system performs within established standards and achieves established service levels.  

• Performs system configuration, repair, adjustment, and other actions under the guidance of the Radio Systems Architect to improve system performance that follow best practices based on independent analysis of system data and diagnosis of system issues, including issues outside of the system that impact system performance.  This includes the Motorola DBR M12 multi-carrier simulcast infrastructure and related Motorola Simulcast Prime Site infrastructure.

• Leverages specialized software, test equipment, and analytical tools to evaluate, characterize, and resolve complex radio frequency interference issues. Recommends and implements hardware and software solutions to enhance the City’s interference detection, analysis, and mitigation capabilities.

• Manages radio encryption Key Management Facility (KMF).

• Develops and maintains dispatch console screen configurations.

• Performs subscriber equipment ‘code plug’ programming development and change management, as well as deployment of code plug files through automated delivery systems such as Over the Air Programming (OTAP), Wi-Fi and manual programming w/ Customer Programming Software (CPS) and Motorola Radio Management

• Advises on and performs infrastructure changes at radio and dispatch sites including rack management, data and RF cable management in the building and on towers, terminating appropriate data and RF cables and weather proofing when needed.

• Understands the purpose and theory of operation of radio frequency filtering and combining equipment along with antenna systems and transmission lines in order to competently direct tower crews.

• Manages the installation, maintenance, and optimization of end-user subscriber equipment by analyzing RF system performance, conducting advanced diagnostics, and developing preventative maintenance strategies to ensure the reliability and availability of communications systems supporting public safety and City operations.

• Provides technical oversight for specialized installations, including one-off vehicle builds, modifications to existing vehicles, and other unique deployment requirements that are not performed through the City's contracted installation services.

• Develops and delivers technical training programs and provides expert consultation to users on subscriber equipment, radio systems, and regional interoperability protocols. Interprets complex technical concepts and system capabilities to support informed operational decision making and effective use of communication resources.

• Monitors, evaluates and optimizes system alarms to support effective and accurate response to system failures.

• Increases industry knowledge and expertise regularly, as well as specific city systems proficiency. This includes attending advanced training and seminars, conferences, as well as ongoing review of service bulletins, manufacturer information, and other credible information sources.

• Provides On-Call rotation, 2-weeks at a time, providing 24x7 response for any emergency LMR system issues, as well as providing in-field/on-scene command post or Emergency Operations Center ESF support of major protected incidents like wildfires and other natural disasters or law enforcement activity during that On-call period.  On-call requires the employee to remain within 45-min of the city border. 

• Maintains accurate and up to date subscriber fleet records in all applicable databases and continuously checks for accuracy.

• Ensures efficient management of the Radio Shop by completing required documentation and other electronic paperwork, as well as ensuring appropriate inventories of parts and equipment.

• Performs related duties as required to meet the needs of the city.

• Takes proper safety precautions to prevent accidents. 

• Ensures the safety of self, others, materials, and equipment. 

• Uses all required safety equipment and follows all safety regulations, policies and procedures.  Reports all accidents and damage to city property.

• Knows and complies with all city and department policies; participates in professional training and development; and adheres to attendance and workplace attire policies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• Ability to communicate effectively and work independently as well as harmoniously with other employees and in teams. 

• Ability to obtain all required OEM Advanced System Keys via State of Colorado CCNC testing processes.

• Ability to demonstrate experience with the maintenance, repair, and optimization of equipment such as emergency lighting equipment electrical/electronic control systems, mobile radios, portable radios, pagers, fixed communications equipment, antenna systems, remote radio systems and/or related electronic equipment.

• Ability to independently and proactively identify active and potential issues by interpreting raw system logs, trending raw log data and user concerns into relevant and actionable troubleshooting and preventative efforts.

• Ability to provide basic through highly advanced support in cooperation with our State of Colorado partners, for core servers and radio site system incidents, as well as radio subscriber equipment, including being able to effectively work directly with partner agencies and vendor engineers to resolve product issues.

• Knowledge at an advanced level in system configuration and theory of operation understanding to anticipate downstream impacts, configure system resources and settings to meet the needs of CBIRS’s user community, in coordination with the Radio Systems Architect.

• Knowledge at an advanced level of radio communications equipment such as mobile radios, portable radios, repeaters, base stations, antenna systems, audio equipment, mobile data equipment (computers/modems), Global Positioning System/Automated Vehicle Location equipment.

• Skill with electronic design and theory.

• Skill and experience in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with public safety and public service agencies and stakeholders.

• Must successfully pass a background check before first day of work and maintain acceptable screening.

• Must be able to comply fully with the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Policy.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to configure, administer, and operate a wide area IP and MPLS network.

• Knowledge and experience with the deployment and optimization of advanced end-user functionality for LMR systems including 3rd party integrations into the LMR environment, like fire station alerting, location on PTT and CAD. 

• Knowledge of relevant OEM systems operations and maintenance certifications with a focus on P25 Phase 1 Trunking Simulcast or Multi Cast. 

• Bachelor’s degree in electronics or engineering-related field.

• Seven (7) years of experience with the maintenance and optimization of land mobile radio (LMR) systems across multiple manufacturer systems.

• Tower climber certification and willingness to perform light to moderate tower work, as needed.

• CCNA, NRS or equivalent network certification.

• A+, Net+, and/or Linux+ certifications.

• Factory certifications from Motorola Solutions, Aviat, Kenwood (Viking products), or any other radio equipment manufacturers that could be transferrable knowledge.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Relevant advanced electronics certification from accredited technical school or community college focused on radio systems design, maintenance, and repair.

• Four (4) to five (5) years of experience with the maintenance and optimization of land mobile radio (LMR) systems including infrastructure and end-user equipment, or combination with Linux experience pertaining to radio system infrastructure.

• Skill and experience in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with public safety and public service agencies and stakeholders.

• Demonstrated experience in the delivery of technology services in an organization responsible for operating a significant radio network infrastructure.

• CPR and Basic First Aid certification or the ability to obtain certification within six months of hire date. 

• Must hold and maintain a valid drivers' license.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS    

• Physical and Mental Effort:  Sufficient vision or other powers of observation that permits the employee to review, evaluate and prepare a variety of written documents and materials.  Sufficient manual dexterity that permits the employee to operate computer and office equipment and a variety of test equipment and maintenance tools.  Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, which permits the employee to work in a maintenance garage and work outdoors on ladders or rooftops. Sufficient hearing ability to make fine discrimination of sounds from radio equipment and ability to discern audio signal quality.  Ability to work under stress from demanding deadlines, public contact, and changing priorities and conditions. Ability to lift or move 50 pounds or more. Ability to climb access ladders on buildings and in-service accesses or rooftops, and to work on ladders at varying heights and in varying conditions for extended periods of time.  Upper body strength to lift and carry parts weighing up to 50 pounds. Ability to stand, kneel, and bend frequently and for extended periods of time. 

• Work Environment:  Typically performs most work indoors in the Fleet Maintenance garage or in the electronics lab area.  Other locations may include work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions at communications sites, city buildings, rooftops, and other assorted locations in and around the city. May work at large public events and/or on emergency scenes.  Works in a setting subject to continuous interruptions and background noises.  Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and in unpleasant conditions where air contamination, vibration, noise, inclement weather, and unclean conditions exist. Willingness and ability to work irregular hours, weekends, evenings, holidays, and/or emergencies as required. Ability to work in tight or confined spaces for extended periods of time. 

• Machines and Equipment Used:  Assorted precision and non-precision hand tools, power tools, soldering stations, de-soldering tools.  Assorted precision test equipment such as communications service monitor, oscilloscope, digital voltmeter, spectrum analyzer, frequency counter, signal generator, power supply, Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) / watt meter, radio frequency (RF) millivolt meter, resistance decades, capacitance decades etc. Land mobile radios include mobile and portable units. Advanced software applications for analyzing radio coverage, system performance, and communications equipment effectiveness. City vehicle. Willingness and ability to use personal protective equipment as required.  Standard office equipment including personal computers, telephones, calculators and copy/fax machines.

As part of the City of Boulder’s commitment to a future with equitable access to health, prosperity, and fulfillment that is not limited by a person’s race, ethnicity, age, gender, ability, religion, sexuality, or socioeconomic status, it is the city’s policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all individuals. The city does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law or policy.